Opportunities
PH-Sensing Nasogastric Tube
The Technology
Accurate measurement of pH is the only non-radiological method recommended by the National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) for ascertaining whether a nasogastric (NG) tube is correctly positioned. Current methods of pH measurement can be unreliable. This device offers increased safety for users of NG tubes, an area of high importance and profile following the recent patient safety alerts issued by the NPSA.
The Advantages
- Easy to use - can be used in both in- and out-patient settings
- Reliable
- Increased safety for the NG tube user
The Potential Market
Hundreds of thousands of patients require NG tubes each year in the UK. Although the precise number is not known, the NHS Purchasing and Supply
Agency (PASA) which distributes NG tubes has estimated that between 750,000 to 1,000,000 tubes are used each year within the NHS1. In addition to those used within the NHS, private hospitals, hospices and nursing homes are expected to greatly increase the number of tubes used annually.
1. "NPSA issues new safety advice to NHS on reducing the harm caused by misplaced nasogastric feeding tubes in neonates." 18th August, 2005. http://www.npsa.nhs.uk/press/display?contentId=4219
The Opportunities
We are looking for a company with experience of design and manufacture of NG tubes to collaborate on a project to develop this device. If successful, the device would be available to the collaborating company to licence for manufacture and sale. If you are interested in discussing this opportunity or would like more information, we would be happy to provide further details under a confidential disclosure agreement.
The Contact
For more information about this or other technologies available for commercialisation through TrusTECH, contact:
Dr Philippa Flemming
TrusTECH
The Innovation Unit
1st Floor, Postgraduate Centre
Manchester Royal Infirmary
Manchester
M13 9WL
T: 01772 892787